WESTFIELD-With the city experiencing a renaissance throughout the arts community, writer and researcher Gayle Gray saw an opening she wanted to explore – a group for writers.
Writer and researcher Gayle Gray of Westfield has launched the Westfield Writers’ Project. She reads from her writing exercise to the group.
As Gray did her homework, she met Bill Westerlind, known to many in the arts community as one of the go-to people, and brainstormed what avenues might be best for writers.
“Gayle is a passionate book reader and a very skilled author,” said Westerlind. “I knew a writer’s group was a project she had in mind for some time but she needed help to get it rolling.”
Westerlind added that he “loved the idea” of a local writer’s group.
“Given the many talented writers in Westfield and the surrounding communities I’ve come to know through my work with ArtWorks Westfield, I decided to give her a hand,” he said, noting he would also be joining the group.
Fast forward several months and on Saturday afternoon, Gray welcomed the first group of writers to the Westfield Writers’ Project at Book Club Bookstore & More! who were energized and ready to put pen to paper.
Gayle Gray, center, has launched a Westfield Writers’ Project which meets at the Book Club Bookstore & More!
Gray said the mission of the group is to “foster the members’ literary goals through commitment, honest practice, sharing knowledge and information, positive peer review, and mutual support.”
Gray explained in her introduction that writing has always been her “one true love,” and that love of writing grew from the literature her mother in particular introduced to her as a child.
“The stories my parents told me about their lives and their families also led to my interests in history and genealogy,” said Gray.
While Gray hinted she has several literary projects in various stages of development, her focus for the group is helping each person achieve their literary goals.
“I’ve been involved with writer’s groups over the years and now want to help others with their writing,” said Gray.
After the formalities of welcoming everyone and reviewing the “rules,” which included being on time and prepared with pen and notebook, each member had a chance to introduce themselves.
Lindsay Stenico noted she grew up in a “book worm family” and has already penned a coming of age story about teens in high school. “Books became my friend at an early age and have allowed me to escape the world if I needed to,” she said, adding her hope is the writers’ project will help her to “improve as a writer.”
Lindsay Stenico of Westfield chooses her words carefully during a 10-minute writing exercise at the Westfield Writers’ Project.
For Shavonne Paroline, her goal for joining the group is to “gain more experience in writing and learn new tools in writing.” Paroline has self-published two fiction books, “Cut,” about self-mutilation, and “When We Collide,” featuring a girl who falls in love with her professor.
Wayne Weatherwax said he joined the group to improve his narrative writing. After 30 years of research, he has written a tome on 10 generations of his family dating from 1710-1930.
“The second edition will be more of a narrative format,” he said about his family’s genealogy roots.
Peter Glidden, Ph.D., noted he has taken writing seriously since high school and while he has written extensively over the years he has “never attempted to publish the literary work.”
Peter Glidden, Ph.D., reads from a writing exercise at the Westfield Writers’ Project as Shavonne Paroline and Gayle Gray listen intently. Gray launched the new group Sept. 17.
For Sally Memole, screenplay writing is her passion and whenever she “gets in a mood to write” she just lets the words flow.
“Writing is a new interest to me and I want to finish this screenplay,” she said.
Westerlind and one other member were unable to attend the first meeting but he shared his thoughts during an earlier interview.
“When I was a much younger man I did a lot of writing in college and wrote some magazine and newspaper articles after graduation,” said Westerlind. “But as I made my way in the corporate world, I lost my writer’s edge. I’ve turned to writing book reviews on Goodreads to regain my edge and I’m hoping the group can further sharpen my creative writing skills.”
After introductions the first “free writing” exercise was welcomed by all members.
The prose flowed freely as writers took pen in hand with their first 10-minute “easy” writing assignment – describing a lake scene that incorporated birds into the mix.
As a timer clicked away and book shop patrons perused the shelves of local authors, writers at the elongated table stayed focused on the task at hand.
Wayne Weatherwax of Westfield is deep in thought during a 10-minute writing exercise at the Westfield Writers’ Project.
Once the bell rang, Gray asked everyone to finish their sentence and then all pens were silenced. Members at once were encouraged to share their writing assignment with the group. While Gray noted the importance of sharing one’s work with others, she also reminded everyone about being courteous and positive when critiquing someone’s writing. Gray also stressed that receiving feedback is an important step in refining one’s work.
“Critique as you would want your writing critiqued,” she noted as part of her “rules.”
Every member did read from their writing and critiques included “I like the humor at the end,” “I feel like I’m starting to read a good story,” and “You provided great imagery.”
As the session wrapped up, Gray also provided each member with a packet that included the first “challenge” titled “Why I Write,” as well as handouts on a list of writing and resource books recommended by Susan Reynolds, author of “Fire Up Your Writing Brain: Use Proven Neuroscience to Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Writer,” and Gray’s recommendations for resource books every writer should have at the ready. Lastly, Gray shared some tips from “Writers on the Plains” from Colorado State University, which detailed ways to respond to the writing of fellow members.
Shavonne Paroline reads a passage from her writing exercise at the first meeting of the Westfield Writers’ Project.
Gray noted that the Westfield Writers’ Project is open to people with all levels of literary experience, however, there is only one more opening for the fall group. Gatherings are slated from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Book Club Bookstore & More! at 2 Main St. on Oct. 1, 15 and 29, as well as Nov. 5 and 19 and Dec. 10 and 17.
For more information on the group, the last open slot for fall, or to be added to a waiting list for the next series, contact Gray at (413) 568-4569.
